I rarely read historicals, but I am so glad I didn't pass this one by. The story turns on an arcane point of American law in the 1700s that leaves a wI rarely read historicals, but I am so glad I didn't pass this one by. The story turns on an arcane point of American law in the 1700s that leaves a widow at the mercy of her nearest male relative. How this particular widow -- who has never before questioned authority -- fights to rise above the situation makes it a page turner. It has stayed with me, long after the last page....more

Is this finally the end of Spencer? If so, a noble effort. Many favorite characters appear as well as a dandy new one. Only Hawk is missed. Fans of thIs this finally the end of Spencer? If so, a noble effort. Many favorite characters appear as well as a dandy new one. Only Hawk is missed. Fans of this series will be delighted with this one, too....more

This is one of my favorite authors but not one of my favorite books. Cook is always intriguing but I found this one a little forced with coincidence.This is one of my favorite authors but not one of my favorite books. Cook is always intriguing but I found this one a little forced with coincidence. Nothing is ever as it seems in his books, and that is true here as well. I liked the way the story 'braids' together in short snippets from various POVs. It might seem jerky to some, but by receiving a little info at a time, you can definitely feel like a part of the whodunit in the same way the cop characters must seek out clues....more

I really admire it. I think writing in a linguistic style that is foreign to many ears -- without irritating the reader -- is extremely difficult. HowI really admire it. I think writing in a linguistic style that is foreign to many ears -- without irritating the reader -- is extremely difficult. However, that said, the book is overly long and seems to meander somewhat leading to its conclusion. It feels like this was a difficult one for the author to end. ...more

The overall tone of this book strikes me as darker than the rest of the Bolitar series. A shifting dynamic within the cast of familiar characters is mThe overall tone of this book strikes me as darker than the rest of the Bolitar series. A shifting dynamic within the cast of familiar characters is more interesting than this particular plot ... the book leaves many intriguing questions unanswered. I'll be nervous for Myron for another whole year until Mr. Coben performs his magic again....more